Copyright, Fair Use, Nettiquete, Cyberbullying and Internet Safety

Copyright, Fair Use, Nettiquete, Cyberbullying and Internet Safety

Copyright and Fair Use
Information abounds on the internet. However, there is a definite need to understand the proper usage of material we find on the internet. Copy rights and fair use of material is an important consideration. Just because it is on the internet and easily accessible, does not mean it is free to use whatever way we want. Intellectual creations such as music, pictures, stories, articles and books belong to someone. We are required to honor the intellectual rights of the owners of this published material. The question of the degree of usage has been greatly debated and thus forced the establishment of Civil laws to protect these intellectual rights. Some of the laws are vague and difficult to understand. There are numerous sources that are available to help guide in the fair usage of this material. Luckily, the government has seen fit to be somewhat lenient in the usage of this information for educational purposes. But, that does not mean everything falls into this umbrella. There are still specific methods that must be followed and certain things that cannot be done. Quite a bit of vagueness exists in the laws. The general rule of thumb has been, if you don’t know, don’t use it. Thankfully, there are resources available to help guide in the proper fair use of copyrighted material.

Nettiquete
The technological age we live in has opened up a new realm for communications. Just as we speak to each other in everyday face-to-face conversations, many of us also do so via electronic devises on a daily basis. When in the same location, as we speak to each other, using proper etiquette is somewhat second nature. Not only do we have the use of language, we also are aware of visual cues such as facial expressions and body language that we use to assess meaning. Electronic communication requires a certain degree of caution. Word choice can be very important in conveying appropriate meaning. Conversations through short messages, as in texting, has created a whole new world of vocabulary based on acronyms and modified spellings of phases and words. This type of language modification is not always appropriate. When conversing with friends or family in a relaxed mode it would be generally acceptable. But when communicating in a professional or educational setting the use of proper nettiquete is a requirement. Just as we would show respect in face-to-face communications, we need to carry that over to our communications via technology.

Cyberbullying
Not all communications are carried out in a cordial manner. When conversations become heated and disagreements arise, some people will lash out in a defensive mode. Some people harbor grudges against others, or they just have a personal dislike for someone. Unwarranted personal attacks are then made. Sadly, this bullying manifests itself in everyday life experiences. Simple examples would be a child picking on others on the playground because he/she always wants to be in charge or a group of students making fun of another student because he/she likes different things than they do or looks different than they do. The lack of respect for a person with continual bashing constitutes bullying. No one has a right to bully another. No one should be expected to be bullied. Technology has added a new sphere for bullying to take place. Cyberbullying is just as, if not more, detrimental. The number of people that can bare witness has been increased exponentially. Bullying can deeply affect a person’s concept of self worth. We must teach our children they do not have to take this and let them know it is alright to tell someone, stressing, it is alright to get help to stop the aggression.

Internet Safety
Parents need to take charge and monitor their children’s behavior and activities, especially when using technology. Teachers should do the same for their students. Adults do not always have all the answers and they themselves may feel inadequate to handle the task. Online sites, schools and community libraries are but a few sources that have parent information programs to help in gaining knowledge on how to deal with bullying issues and overall internet safety. Guiding children in what is appropriate to post on a web site or personal page and how to limit access to personal information is of extreme importance for safety when using the internet. Our children are growing up in a new world filled with technology. Their social usage of technology is their new way of communication for these younger generations. They are all too ready to share personal feelings and information about themselves as they reach out to find others that are similar to them. As adults, we must guide our children to make wise choices in the interest of safety when dealing with such a large world as the internet.

Each year, in September or early October, the schools that my children attend sponsor a parent involvement night. This is an excellent opportunity for parents to get first hand knowledge from professionals on dealing with child rearing, education, and safety issues. Establishing and keeping an open line of communication between schools, teachers and parents is essential in helping our children cope, adjust well and grow in a healthy environment.